You are conducting a multisite trial for a large pharmaceutical company, one requirement of which is to select a scale that will
consistently provide objective data, on a weekly basis, for depression. You need the scale to be consistent and change gradually only in response to the positive effects of the drug being tested. You need a scale with good:
Reliability is defined as the consistency of a research study or measuring test. A reliable test produces the same repeated results under the same or consistent conditions.
Since one of the criterias is to select a scale that will consistently provide objective data, on a weekly basis, for depression and change gradually only in response to the positive effects of the drug being tested. You need a scale with good reliability.
The answer is: Asses the patient for a barrel-chest appearance The patient is sitting in a tripod position often seen in patients with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These patients also often have a barrel-chest appearance, so the nurse assesses for this finding.